The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Okey
Enelamah, has outlined some strategies of the Federal Government to move the
nation's economy forward and beyond its current recession crisis, reports
ITRealms.
Enelamah listed some of these strategic policies to include
robust partnership between government and the private sector, support to Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as intervening in high potential
sectors encompassing manufacturing and agriculture.
Speaking at the 2016 Annual Investor Conference organised by
FBN Capital Limited, the Investment Banking and Asset Management subsidiary of
FBN Holdings Plc. held on October 27, 2016 at the Eko Hotels & Suites,
Victoria Island Lagos, in a presentation entitled ‘Matching Opportunities with
Patient Capital,’ Enelamah said that despite the recession, Nigerians should
see the economy from a positive perspective and deemphasize on the negative
side of the recession.
He noted that the oil price crash exposed the structural
deficiency in Nigeria’s large and thriving economy, asserting “Countries in
difficulty have used different strategies to strengthen and diversify their
economies. That is why Nigeria needs to move away from over dependence on oil.
Diversification and growth is key to economic recovery and ensuring a more
stable future. Nigeria should have a strong local base of investors because
foreigners will always leave leading to dry up of capital.”
Mr. Enelamah recommended applying practical solutions such
as creating the right environment and polices to harness the productivity of
Nigerians in order to overcome the current inflation in Nigeria, as the economy
remains large and full of potentials. He added that it is very easy to have a
disconnect between the government and the people when there is no trust in
government policies.
Speaking further, the Hon. Minister identified the 5
execution principles of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (MITI)
which include creating a favourable economic framework, support to Micro, Small
Scale and Medium Enterprise (MSME), sector prioritization, partnership and
joint ventures and immediate implementation of policies.
In order to realize Nigeria’s diversification and growth
plan, it is essential to concentrate on an area where Nigerians are advantaged
and give them necessary support, he said.
He further identified areas such as energy, clarification of
Nigeria’s foreign exchange policy, agriculture, manufacturing and
transportation as critical to economic growth.
Ayo Omidele/GEE
